Nichola Mallon
North Belfast · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I have had the very moving opportunity to meet families who have tragically lost a loved one on that stretch of road. That was an important opportunity for me to hear at first hand their experience and the experiences of the local community as they try to go about their everyday business while living in close proximity to a key transport…”
“I take safety on our rural roads very seriously. My Department continues to be actively committed to improving safety on our roads and to work closely with our road safety partners to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement activities.”
“I thank Mr Muir and all the members of the Infrastructure Committee for very constructive working relationships. At times, those working relationships were tense, but they were always very constructive — I mean that.”
“It was important to me to take forward the motor insurance legislation to try to protect people against a hike of up to £50 in their motor insurance premiums. Members will be aware that I took the decision to freeze any hike in public transport fares.”
“That commenced a consultation process that is open until 6 May. I encourage anyone with an interest in this significant project to make their views known during the consultation period. <BR /> <BR />In advance of the major upgrade, it is important that we do what we can to improve road safety.”
“I have announced my intention to extend the concessionary fares scheme to provide free travel for people with disabilities who currently pay half fare and to new operators who have already indicated or expressed an interest in joining. I am aware that many people with a disability have limited travel options.”
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“I am pleased to advise that the new 15-kilometre section of dual carriageway along the A6 between Randalstown and Castledawson was fully opened to traffic on 31 May. I am sure that the Member will agree that that significant milestone is improving connectivity to the north-west and delivering journey time savings for commuters, buses and goods vehicles. In addition, construction of the new 25·5-kilometre section of dual carriageway between Drumahoe and Dungiven, which includes a bypass of Dungiven, is progressing well. The earthworks and 16 of the 22 structures are substantially complete, and the main line pavement construction is also well advanced. It is expected that the dualling scheme will be completed in 2022, which is largely as planned.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The introduction of interest-free loans is a matter that would fall outside my Department. However, I am pleased to say that my Department has been working on the energy strategy and on modes of transport in particular. We are establishing an action group that is very focused on e-charging and how we can roll out the e-charging network and tackle the barriers that remain to encourage people to make that switch. I am sure that that group will consider that.”
“Unfortunately, my Department cannot draw down that funding, but councils can. We have been working closely with councils to encourage them to take up that funding, and that work is ongoing. I recently met the then future transport Minister, Rachel Maclean, to ensure that we can maximise funding. I am also exploring opportunities through my blue-green fund, and I am pleased to say that I have offered match funding of up to £350,000 to councils that wish to draw down funding from the British Government.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As Members will be aware, the e-car public charge point network is owned, operated and maintained by the ESB. I have met the ESB to encourage it to repair non-functioning charge points, and I am pleased that it has commenced a replacement programme that will upgrade a number of faulty charge points with more modern operational charge points. The Member will also be aware that I have changed planning rules so that it is easier to advance e-charging infrastructure and that I have provided match funding for the EU INTERREG-funded Facilitating a Sustainable Transition to EVs in the Regions (FASTER) electric vehicle network project, which will see the installation of additional rapid charging points here. <BR /> <BR />Funding is available from the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles.”
“Only when we work together across government and with the private sector, communities and citizens will we really tackle the climate emergency.”
“I was pleased that the Executive agreed that we would host a climate summit in advance of COP26 in November. The call for a climate summit followed the publication of a report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that warned of "a code red for humanity." The summit will provide an opportunity ahead of COP26 for all Departments to develop an action plan to deliver a just transition to net zero. I have written to the Executive Office twice to ask for an update on planning and arrangements because, as it is a cross-cutting matter, it is, of course, taking the lead. I am keen that we have a wide range of attendees at that summit to ensure that we have wide and varied input.”
“In addition, I recently consulted on 'Living With Water in Belfast', which sets out a new approach to the provision of drainage infrastructure in greater Belfast by promoting holistic and integrated solutions that achieve a wide range of benefits at reduced cost and disruption.”
“Those projects include a £20 million annual investment in a blue-green infrastructure fund to make public transport and active travel a more attractive and efficient alternative to the use of private cars, including a significant investment of £13·5 million to support the development of greenways by councils and active travel schemes by my Department; a £4 million investment in sustainably produced hydrogen buses and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure with Translink, Energia and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV); £74 million of investment in low- and zero-emission buses for Translink; and investment in excess of £60 million to purchase new train carriages to encourage more people out of their cars and on to rail.”
“We had a useful discussion at a recent Executive meeting on the two climate change Bills working their way through the Assembly, and I look forward to a more comprehensive debate with our stakeholders in a climate summit. <BR /> <BR />As Minister for Infrastructure, I take my duty to people and our environment seriously, and I continue to drive forward projects to help mitigate the climate crisis and ensure that Northern Ireland adapts to the impacts of climate change.”
“In February 2020, as an Assembly, we voted to declare a climate emergency, and the New Decade, New Approach agreement directed the Executive to bring forward legislation that set specific targets for Northern Ireland. It is essential that we work together to ensure that ambitious but realistic targets are enshrined in legislation in order to protect our society, our economy and our environment for both current and future generations. <BR /> <BR />As political leaders, we need to set out a clear plan for achieving a just transition to net zero in Northern Ireland as quickly as possible. As an Executive, we have collectively agreed to host a climate summit ahead of the global conference, in acknowledgment of the need to set out urgently a clear, collective plan for achieving that just transition.”
“That proposal is now contained in the Executive's COVID recovery strategy and has overwhelming support across the business and environment sectors. If we were to have an infrastructure commission, we would be better placed to tackle regional imbalance and to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in the right places and that our rural community does not lose out.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Northern Ireland Water is extensively engaged with the Utility Regulator to identify the locations that require investment. As I have said on a number of occasions, we are in this situation because of historical underinvestment in our water and waste water infrastructure, but I reassure the Member that Northern Ireland Water is doing everything that it can within the budgetary constraints under which it has to operate. <BR /> <BR />I absolutely agree with the Member about having an overview of the infrastructure in Northern Ireland. I proposed the establishment of an infrastructure commission in Northern Ireland so that it would take a long-term, strategic approach to the vision for and delivery of infrastructure.”
“I hope that we do not experience any further delay, because an infrastructure commission is the game changer that our economy, society and environment need.”
“I will continue to make representations to my Executive colleagues, because if we do not invest in our water and waste water infrastructure, we will not be able to grow our economy, build the many homes that we need or tackle the climate emergency. <BR /> <BR />The infrastructure commission is, as the Member will know, an agreed commitment in the Executive's published COVID recovery strategy. I look forward to our realising that commitment.”
“I thank the Member for her question. From my budget this year, I have allocated a total of £344·5 million to Northern Ireland Water. As I said, this is the first time in a long time that Northern Ireland Water has been fully funded, and I have also provided an additional £20 million in capital funding to help Northern Ireland Water bring forward much-needed projects that were originally planned for delivery later in the PC21 period. <BR /> <BR />The scale of the waste water capacity issues across the North is such that they will, realistically, take at least 12 years to address. Without sufficient investment, Northern Ireland Water will be at risk of breaching statutory environmental obligations and the ability of the economy to recover could also be affected.”
“Residents have approached my Department to see whether assistance could be provided in making up a shortfall in the funding should it be required. I am considering whether that can be achieved using my blue-green infrastructure fund, and my officials will be in contact with the residents as the case develops. Once full and final costings have been provided, I will be able to take a decision on any contribution that may be possible from my Department.”
“I really sympathise with the residents of Galliagh Shore, because they are in a very distressing situation. However, as I am sure that the Member is aware, Galliagh Shore is a private development, and neither my Department nor Northern Ireland Water has any legal remit to carry out works in such private developments. The residents have been liaising with the National House Building Council (NHBC) regarding its responsibilities in the development, and I believe that an offer has been made by the NHBC that has been accepted by the residents. The residents have also advised that they are working with a contractor to have an on-site investigation into the works carried out, a design solution prepared and a full cost estimate for the works detailed.”
“I am happy to pass on your representations to Northern Ireland Water, but I must impress on Members the importance of sustained investment in our water and waste water infrastructure over the next number of years.”
“I thank the Member for his question. This is the outworking of historic underinvestment over many years in our water and waste water infrastructure. For this financial year, I was pleased to allocate the funding levels identified by the Utility Regulator. That is the first time that that has happened in a long time, but there is still so much more that we should be able to do. <BR /> <BR />The Member may know that Northern Ireland Water undertakes comprehensive business planning activities in each price control period. That is informed by my Department's social and environmental guidance. Northern Ireland Water works with the regulator to identify the most benefit to our customers from investment, so the selection of projects is not something that I, as the Minister, am involved in.”
“The development plan growth strategy should seek to maximise the use of existing infrastructure, including waste water treatment and sewerage network capacity and resources, by focusing growth in locations where capacity exists. Where infrastructure capacity constraints are identified, the council must liaise closely with Northern Ireland Water to establish whether they can be overcome.”
“However, it is vital that sustained and secure availability of funding is provided to Northern Ireland Water throughout the PC21 period. <BR /> <BR />Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is advancing its local development plan. Its draft plan strategy is with the Planning Appeals Commission, and a formal hearing, with independent examination sessions, is due to commence in late autumn or early winter. It is anticipated that my Department will be invited to attend the independent examination hearing sessions to discuss, among other things, the impact of waste water infrastructure and capacity constraints affecting the council area.”
“I thank the Member for that important question. He will be aware that I have consistently raised the need for investment in water and waste water infrastructure. There are 23 waste water systems with capacity issues in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On the impact on developments, Northern Ireland Water is a statutory consultee in the planning process and provides recommendations based on the availability of waste water assets and their capacity. The final decision on planning applications rests solely with the relevant planning authority. To help resolve these impacts, Northern Ireland Water plans to invest approximately £56·5 million within the current price control 21 (PC21) programme to upgrade waste water treatment works and waste water networks in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I am clear that we should have a planning system that enables us to build social and affordable homes. My officials have been working with the Department for Communities in this area, but a lot of it is determined in local councils. As councils work through their local development plans, there is an important opportunity to maximise the opportunities that we have across Northern Ireland to build the many homes that we need.”
“I thank the Member for her question. A Regional Development Committee looked at that issue and produced a report with a number of recommendations, which the Department has been taking forward. Unadopted lanes and streets are a challenge for my Department. In the most recent assessment, the financial impact of bringing all of the unadopted streets and roads up to an adopted standard stood at £300 million on 2018 prices. We continue to work with residents who live in the affected areas and are impacted on by the issue. We successfully adopt a number of streets across Northern Ireland every year. It is a challenge given the extent but we continue to work on it, even within the current financial and capacity constraints.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The cross-departmental forum is very much focused on improving response times for consultees, including those within my Department. I am also aware that there are capacity challenges. We have seen a significant increase in the volume and complexity of planning applications, particularly coming through to Rivers. I have been meeting officials to press on them the importance of getting these issues resolved as a matter of urgency. The chief planner and my officials have regular engagement with local councils because, of course, we monitor performance there and have an oversight role.”
“This work has a particular focus on improving processes and time frames for determining major and economically significant planning applications. <BR /> <BR />The latest statutory performance figures show that consultees have responded to 76% of all statutory planning consultations within 21 days. Despite the impact of the pandemic, performance has improved on the previous year by 7%. However, I recognise that it remains an issue and am committed to improving the planning system for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As I outlined in the original response, one area that we are focused on as a Department is improving the performance of statutory consultees in the planning system. As you are no doubt aware, many factors impact on the overall performance of the planning system. Statutory consultee response times, even in my Department, is a reason for delay. To address that, the Department has established a cross-government planning forum. The forum is a group of senior leaders in my Department and from the statutory consultee bodies, as well as representatives from local government, working together. Its key focus is to oversee the implementation of recommendations that were made in an independent report on the role of statutory consultees in the planning process.”
“<BR /> <BR />I share Members' frustrations, and I provide assurances that I am focused on moving things forward. I am undertaking a review of the implementation of the Planning Act 2011, which will consider how we can further improve the system for all stakeholders. My Department has invested, along with 10 local councils, in the replacement of the current planning portal system in order to provide a more modern planning service. That is expected to be operational in 2022. <BR /> <BR />I also believe that effective and inclusive community engagement is an important part of a fit-for-purpose planning system, and that is why I have also established a planning engagement partnership to look at how we can enhance the quality and depth of community engagement in the planning process at regional and local planning levels.”
“My Department monitors the performance of councils through a number of mechanisms, including the statutory planning indicators. It also monitors and reports on a number of non-statutory planning indicators, which are in the planning monitoring framework. <BR /> <BR />Recent performance has clearly been impacted on by the restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, but I expect that to improve as we emerge from the pandemic, and my Department is working with all stakeholders to drive forward improvement. Measures that we have taken include the establishment of a cross-government planning forum, the focus of which is on improving performance in the planning statutory consultation process and, ultimately, the time frames for processing major and economically significant applications.”
“The Member will be aware of my commitment to housing here in Northern Ireland, particularly social and affordable housing, given the crisis facing our communities. The planning system here provides a statutory target of 15 weeks for determining local planning applications and 30 weeks for determining major planning applications. In 2020-21, over 8,700 residential planning applications were received. In the same period, over 7,000 residential applications were decided. Ninety-six per cent of those were approved. <BR /> <BR />You will be aware that, since the transfer of planning functions in 2015, the majority of planning applications are processed by councils, and it is the responsibility of each local planning authority to ensure that they are processed in a timely manner.”
“I very much look forward to having the support of all Members and all parties as I make those representations to the Finance Minister.”
“The flagship scheme, which runs through South Antrim, will provide a dual carriageway from the western end of the M22 near Randalstown to the Castledawson roundabout. This significant investment of £189 million will reduce journey times and improve road safety. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the need for proper, sustained investment in our roads. I have inherited a very difficult financial environment. I welcome the fact that that is recognised fairly by all Members. I am committed to doing what I can. I assure Members that I will continue to make representations around the Executive table to ensure that we can get the required funding in order to maintain our road network and have the right infrastructure in the right places going forward.”
“I very much appreciate Mr Blair's continuous support for our work in that area. <BR /> <BR />To that end, I was pleased to note the recent completion of the £100,000 footway and cycleway along O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey. I am very pleased to advise that, this year, the Antrim and Newtownabbey area has received just under £1 million of funding from my blue-green fund, and we will be progressing an additional five schemes in this financial year. Those schemes will further enhance the active travel provision in the area, improving air quality, the local environment and, of course, the health and well-being of the local population. <BR /> <BR />I would like to take this opportunity to mention the great progress that my Department is making on delivering the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling works.”
“Since I was appointed Minister, I have made it clear that my focus is on doing what I can to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland. An important part of that focus is on ensuring that I increase the proportion of everyday journeys made by walking and cycling across the whole region. Whilst I am fully committed to supporting the proper management and maintenance of the road network, we must also be mindful of the need to be forward-looking. Walking and cycling are key elements of liveable towns and cities, and more walking and cycling, especially for those shorter journeys that make up one third of all the journeys that we make every day, will help to create a cleaner environment and tackle the climate crisis, which is the biggest global challenge of our time.”
“<BR /> <BR />In South Antrim, my Department is targeting the completion of the following activities up to the end of March 2022: asphalt resurfacing, at a cost of £2·4 million; 25 road recovery schemes, at a cost of £600,000; 56 kilometres of surface dressing, at a cost of £450,000; footway resurfacing, at a cost of £360,000; the commencement of two minor improvement schemes, totalling £1 million; and three local transport and safety schemes, at a cost of £140,000. <BR /> <BR />Dr Aiken mentioned the Ballycorr Road, the Ballyeaston Road and the Rashee Road, and I can confirm that they are due to be resurfaced this year. In addition, the A57 Templepatrick Road was resurfaced three years ago, but I can confirm that the Hillhead phase 1 will be done this year. <BR /> <BR />That is not all, however.”
“I want to assure Mrs Cameron that I am very focused on delivery. What is the point of seeking election or being a Minister if you are not focused and determined to deliver for citizens, wherever they live in Northern Ireland? During the year, a number of significant resurfacing schemes have been completed in the area, including O'Neill Road, Newtownabbey; Belfast Road; Steeple Road in Fountain Hill; Main Street in Crumlin; Staffordstown Road; Derrygowan Road; and Church Road in Ballynure. I am pleased to advise that there are further structural maintenance and road improvement activities planned this financial year in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area. I remain committed to pressing for investment in our infrastructure as part of the next spending review to ensure that all that work is realised.”
“In addition to structural maintenance, which had an out-turn of £3·5 million, over £3 million was spent on other essential road functions, such as street lighting, structures, traffic management, winter service and routine maintenance activities. The past year was unprecedented due to the impact of the pandemic. However, we worked closely with our contractors to develop new ways of working to ensure that much-needed road maintenance and improvement works could proceed. As a result, most of our 2020-21 programme was successfully delivered, despite the absence of work over the first part of the year.”
“I absolutely agree with Dr Aiken: we must move with great urgency to multi-year budgets so that we can plan ahead, give forecasts to contractors and others and deliver the improved infrastructure that we need on the ground. I assure Members that, while I am Minister, I remain committed to establishing a further roads recovery fund in future years. <BR /> <BR />I turn specifically to South Antrim. My Department spent some £6·7 million last year in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area on contractor expenditure.”
“Following that fund's successes last year, I have set up an enhanced fund in this financial year and have allocated £17 million of my capital budget to a roads recovery fund, of which £15 million is again specifically directed towards rural roads. As a result of that decision, rural roads will benefit from a 50% increase in funding in that initiative. That is the highest level of funding yet. It reflects my commitment to continue that important work to benefit rural communities. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to press for investment for infrastructure as part of the next spending review, the outcome of which will determine funding availability for 2022-23 and beyond.”
“I assure Members that I will keep battling for the resources that we need, particularly for infrastructure, after the significant cuts that impacted the budgets as far back as 2015. <BR /> <BR />I reassure Mr Clarke and Mrs Cameron that I realise that life exists outside Belfast. Addressing regional imbalances and improving rural roads is a priority for me. That is why I set up the roads recovery fund, and, in 2020-21, I allocated £12 million of my capital budget to that fund, of which £10 million was specifically directed towards rural roads. Those improvements targeted many short lengths of rural road that were in particularly poor condition, with over 750 locations on the rural network benefiting from that initiative.”
“Members will know that it has been independently established that £143 million at 2018 prices is needed to maintain the structural integrity of Northern Ireland's road network. However, for many years, the funding allocated to the Department has fallen well below the level required. I welcome the fact that Mr Clarke recognises that the issue predates me as Minister, and I acknowledge and appreciate the fact that he and other Members have put on record their appreciation of and gratitude to DFI officials on the ground. I will make sure that that is fed back to them. <BR /> <BR />While everyone is aware that the outlook for the capital budget is somewhat better, the resource budget for my Department still faces real pressures that affect capacity in particular.”
“Certainly, since I took up the post of Minister, I have made bids, and we are trying to do what we can in the Department to restore funding to pre-2015 levels, but that is still proving to be hugely challenging. <BR /> <BR />Mr Clarke also mentioned staff vacancies. As a result of the voluntary exit scheme, there are staff shortages across the Civil Service. Ministers have raised that issue with the Civil Service. We need to address it, but, again, that is caveated by the fact that staff cost money, and we are in a challenging budgetary environment. <BR /> <BR />I assure all Members who have spoken that I am determined to improve the condition of our roads and to recover some of the large backlog of road maintenance that currently exists and that was referenced in the 2019 Barton report on the structural maintenance of our roads.”
“I thank Mr Clarke for securing the debate on South Antrim roads. I join Mrs Kelly in congratulating the Antrim ladies' camogie team on its outstanding win. I know that that is replicated throughout the House. <BR /> <BR />I listened with interest to the comments and issues raised by Members, and it is clear that it is a topic relevant to not only South Antrim but, as Members rightly said, places across Northern Ireland. The truth is, as Mrs Kelly pointed out, that this is the damage that was caused by the deep cuts imposed on the Department's predecessor in 2015. As a result of those severe budget reductions, the Department was forced to reduce its level of service. That is the reality within which we operate.”
“Thank you for the sacrifices that John and you made for peace in our country, for all that you were and for all that you gave, for the pure heart and the brilliant mind and for bringing and being that light in the darkness. Thank you for your passionate belief in the power of non-violence, justice, fairness and equality for all and for the compassion that you showed to so many, especially in Derry. Thank you for inspiring a new SDLP generation. We promise to do all that we can to uphold the values that John and you shared and to deliver the vision that you held out. Thank you, Pat. Rest easy now, back at John's side where you belong.”
“We can all honour Pat and John Hume by making sure that our society never again sees the injustices that they grew up immersed in and stood up to challenge or the violence that they abhorred and experienced and gave so much to stop. On the peace that they have left us, we have to keep working to fulfil the new Ireland of the Good Friday Agreement in which they both so passionately believed. We have to keep going as they did. I remind everyone in the Chamber that that means upholding our responsibility to work together for everyone, to find solutions and to step up, not walk away. <BR /> <BR />As I draw my contribution to a close, I will make two more remarks. They are not about Pat Hume but to her.”
“There by John's side, as ever, was Pat. Imagine the anguish that she must have been feeling or the strength that she had to summon to sustain her husband and herself, but summon it she did, time and time again. <BR /> <BR />In spite of despair and in the face of danger, Pat lifted John when he was feeling low. It was to Pat whom John always turned first for counsel as he charted a course towards the end of violence, the dawn of peace and a new future for our community. It has often been said, but it merits repeating, that, without Pat Hume, we would not have had the peace process that we got or the agreement that it produced. We must never forget that, and we never will.”
“That is exactly how she ran John's Derry constituency service, taking great care of everyone who came through the door, whether of the office or, as often happened, the house in Westend Park. That is why, as we have seen, heard and read in recent days, people loved her. <BR /> <BR />Pat was not one for a focus on or a fuss about her. I think that she would have blushed and brushed off the title of Derry's first lady that has been bestowed on her. In truth, the only title that she ever needed was the name Pat Hume. That is what meant so much to so many. <BR /> <BR />She was tough too: she had to be. Think back to the tragic images of one of the Greysteel funerals in 1993 — a truly horrific time in Northern Ireland — and John breaking down in tears as a victim's daughter embraced him and beseeched him to keep working for peace.”
“She made everyone whom she met feel special, and that is one of the characteristics that made her such a special human being. Among the many tributes that poured in, one person tweeted that Pat had taught his brother in primary school and that, although he loved his mother very much, he wanted Pat to adopt him. Anyone who really knew Pat will know exactly what he meant. <BR /> <BR />From her teaching career to the earliest days of the Credit Union, through the civil rights movement to the Good Friday Agreement, and on to her advocacy for Troubles victims, Pat Hume always cared deeply about people and worked tirelessly for them. Her compassion for others was best summed up by Father Paul Farren when he noted: "Your problem became hers".”
“We also celebrate Pat, the deeply loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. I send the sympathy and solidarity of everyone in the SDLP to all the Humes. The loss that we feel pales next to yours, but I hope that you have drawn some comfort from the outpourings of love expressed in the very many beautiful tributes that have been paid. The COVID pandemic has robbed us all of so much, but, in a sense, its restrictions placed Pat and John back at the heart of the Hume family, giving them a few precious, private days by the shore of Lough Foyle to say their goodbyes and to begin to grieve. <BR /> <BR />The Pat Hume whom I knew was always so wonderfully warm. To be in her company was to know that she was genuinely interested in you.”
“It is a sorry privilege for me today, on behalf of the SDLP, to lead tributes to one of my, my party and very many people's genuine heroes, Pat Hume. Pat's sudden, sad passing on Thursday 2 September, just one year and one month after her beloved John, shook us all. It felt like the end of a hugely significant era, because, in truth, that is just what it was. There will never again be another Pat Hume or another John Hume or another partnership quite like theirs, but we should be eternally grateful to and for both of them and all they achieved together for all of us. <BR /> <BR />In the days since Pat left us, we have had time to gather our thoughts, and, today, we reflect on a truly remarkable, resilient, radiant Derry woman, a quiet patriot who was a profile in courage and, as Mark Durkan said, an "alchemist of optimism".”